Feeling intimidated about your first crossing? Let’s take the drama out of your dream passage.
The Gulf Stream is the largest “river” in the world, flowing swiftly through the Atlantic between Florida and the Bahamas. Its powerful currents can either challenge or carry you—depending on how and when you cross. Understanding this mighty force is key to a smooth, safe, and satisfying passage.
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ONLINE COURSE OVERVIEW
The Gulf Stream can be a gentle kitten or a roaring tiger. It has rewarded many patient sailors—and punished those in a rush. In this course, you’ll learn how to work with the Stream, not against it. Discover how seasonal patterns and weather windows impact the crossing, and how to time your departure for the most comfortable ride. Captains Jeff and Jean will share real-world tips for crossing faster, under sail, and with far less drama than your buddy boats motoring in choppy seas.
Who is this online class for?
This course is for cruisers preparing for their first Gulf Stream crossing from Florida to the Bahamas. If you're looking to build confidence, avoid common pitfalls, and gain local insights from seasoned sailors, you're in the right place.
What Will I Learn?
Crossing the Gulf Stream requires navigational techniques you might not have used before. Learn how to calculate and compensate for current, interpret weather windows, and plan a strategic route. Captains Jeff & Jean will guide you through the skills, insights, and real-time tactics they’ve developed after decades of successful crossings.
List of Topics:
- What is the Gulf Stream, and why does it matter?
- Best weather patterns for crossing
- Departure points in Florida based on your Bahamian destination
- Understanding CTS, COG, CMG—and how to calculate current set & drift
- The smoothest route isn’t always a straight line
- Key considerations when making landfall in the Bahamas
- Returning to Florida: best practices for a safe and simple trip home
Know the Current, Cross with Confidence
Sail prepared, sail smart
Crossing the Gulf Stream isn’t just about pointing the bow east—it’s about timing, planning, and respect for one of the ocean’s most powerful forces. For first-time cruisers headed to the Bahamas, the difference between a smooth sail and a rough ride often comes down to what you know before you go. This course takes the mystery out of your first crossing and replaces it with strategy, confidence, and clarity.
Timing, Tools & Tactical Know-How
Led by seasoned sailors and instructors Captains Jeff and Jean, this class walks you through the realities of planning and executing a safe Gulf Stream crossing. From interpreting weather windows and calculating current set and drift, to choosing the right departure point and understanding your actual course over ground, you’ll learn how to plan smarter, sail smoother, and arrive more relaxed.
Real-World Tips from Veteran Crossers
With decades of experience and hundreds of crossings behind them, Jeff and Jean have helped countless sailors make the passage from Florida to the Bahamas with confidence. Their practical teaching style, deep technical knowledge, and cruiser’s mindset make this course an essential step in preparing for one of your most memorable passages. Whether you’re days away from your first crossing or still in the planning phase, this class is your key to unlocking a stress-free Gulf Stream experience.
YOUR HOST
Jeff & Jean
Captains Jeff and Jean are the husband-and-wife team behind Two Can Sail, where they specialize in helping couples pursue the cruising lifestyle. As Licensed Yacht Brokers and ASA Certified Instructors, they offer hands-on yacht ownership training and personalized instruction aboard each client’s vessel.
Jeff began captaining yachts at age 15 and made his first Gulf Stream crossing at 19. He holds a degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering and is an expert in electronic navigation systems. Jean began sailing at 12 and has captained vessels up to 80 feet. She is a retired Accredited Marine Surveyor and former member of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors. Both hold 100GT Master licenses and together have sailed over 260 yacht models, including 61 different cruising catamarans.
ONLINE CLASS REGISTRATION
@ 4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ET (90 min)
Regular Price
$39
ASA Member Price
$29
ON-DEMAND ACCESS
All registrations include unlimited on-demand access to the recordings of the live online class. So if you are unable to attend live you can still register and watch at your leisure.
ASA MEMBER DISCOUNT
American Sailing Members can claim their discount in the Member Portal. If you're not a current member then for only $59/year you can join or renew today!
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